R E C R E A T I O N
HIKING: Schunemunk Mountain Preserve
If you love hiking and nature, then you will love Hil-Mar Lodge. We are proud members New York-New Jersey Trail Conference.
Hikers from all destinations are welcome to come to Hil-Mar, park their cars at the Northern base of Schunemunk Mountain and ascend up the famous Long-Path Trail.
From our location at the base, it is only a 1 1/2 to 2 hour ascent up the mountain. We are directly below the highest elevation point of 1,640 feet. From the top ridge, your unobstructed view of the of Hudson Valley will certainly please you.
Your valuables are safe at base, and when you return, their's plenty of food, swimming and relaxation for you to enjoy!
|
|
To help make your trek even better, we provide a complimentary trail map and
free parking on our private grounds. |
Schunemunk Mountain is an eight-mile long ridge just west of the Hudson Highlands, and is a scenic landmark from many vantage points. The mountain provides habitat for two rare plant communities, and is a mecca for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts seeking challenging hiking and unparalleled views of the region.
 The name Schunemunk (pronounced "shun-uh-munk") means "excellent fireplace" in the Algonquin tongue of the Leni Lenape (Delaware) tribe that originally inhabited the area.
Over 30 miles of trails on the mountain traverse hardwood forests, extensive groves of mountain laurel, and rugged rock outcroppings.
A spectacular ridge line trail reaching peaks of almost 1,700 feet provides views up and down the Hudson River.
Schunemunk Mountain also contains a seven-mile stretch of the Long Path, a public trail that runs from the George Washington Bridge in New Jersey to Thacher State Park near Albany, New York.
 The Open Space Institute purchased the 2,100 acre mountain preserve in 1996. This purchased was made possible by a grant from the Lila Acheson & DeWitt Wallace Fund for the Hudson Highlands.
2001 (March 2) -- NY Governor, George Pataki dedicated
Schunemunk Mountain Preserve as a new state park. (Groups
such as the New York City chapter of the Adirondack Club and
New York-New Jersey Trail Conference played important roles
in bringing this about.)
The northern slopes meld into the very scenic pastoral valley of the Moodna Creek, a tributary of the Hudson, This valley is crossed by a famous  railroad trestle, the Moodna Viaduct, an impressive 286 foot high iron bridge, built in 1904 by the Erie Lackawanna Railroad, which now carries Conrail freight and MetroNorth passenger service. The Viaduct is the highest and longest railroad trestle east of the Mississippi River, and a favorite subject of professional and amateur photographers, especially in the fall when excursion steam trains cross the Viaduct in the morning en route to Port Jervis and in the late afternoon returning to Hoboken.
|
